Gregory Mazarakis, 70

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Longtime Staten Islander Gregory Mazarakis, 70, of Sunnyside, a retired longshoremen, died Wednesday in the Golden Gate Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Meiers Corners, where he had been a resident for the past nine months.

Born in Manhattan, he moved to Port Richmond in 1945; Bayonne in 1960, and Sunnyside in 1976.

Mr. Mazarakis worked as a merchant marine before working as a longshoreman for 18 years. He retired in 1978.

He was an avid reader who was interested in history, politics and philosophy. He enjoyed playing chess and backgammon and listening to music.

His wife of 52 years, the former Vassiliki Himario, died in 2013.

Surviving are his son, Perry; a daughter, Tina Mazarakis; a sister, Constance Grande, and six grandchildren.

The funeral will be Friday at 11 a.m. in the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond. Arrangements include cremation.